Sen. James Skoufis

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the ability of workers to file claims for mental injuries caused by extraordinary work-related stress. Previously, only specific first responders like police officers and firefighters could make such claims, but this law now applies to all workers. The key provision states that a claims board cannot reject a mental injury claim if it finds the stress experienced was not greater than what typically occurs in a normal work environment. The change aims to provide a clearer standard for evaluating stress-related injury claims across all job types.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the state's school violence prevention grant program to specifically fund anti-violence education initiatives. It allows schools to receive money for programs that provide trauma support, counseling, and education for students affected by gun violence, as long as these programs are run by nonprofit organizations and exclude any firearm training. To qualify, the funded programs must set clear goals, outline a timeline, and use specific methods to measure progress in reducing violence. The legislation also broadens the list of eligible safety activities to include safe corridors, diversity programs, and collaborative efforts with law enforcement or community groups.

Enacts "Melanie's law"; relates to orders of protection; allows courts to issue orders of protection for immediate family members or household members of the named victims, regardless of age.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes local election boards to set up secure drop boxes where voters can return their completed absentee ballots in person. The law requires these boards to post the locations of the drop boxes on their websites and gives the state board the power to create rules ensuring the boxes are secure and properly managed. Additionally, the bill clarifies that ballots deposited in these boxes before the close of polls on election day are considered timely, even if they lack a postal service postmark. This change aims to provide another convenient method for voters to submit their ballots while maintaining specific security and timing standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows physician assistants to officially serve as primary care practitioners within Medicaid managed care plans. By amending state social services law, it expands the list of qualified medical providers that managed care organizations must include when arranging access to care for participants. The legislation updates legal definitions to explicitly recognize physician assistants alongside physicians and nurse practitioners for these specific roles. Although the bill passed the legislature, it was vetoed by the governor and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies the rules for validating legal documents like property deeds and oaths that are signed outside of New York State but within the United States. It allows various officials, such as judges, mayors, and notaries, to perform these acknowledgments in other states or territories, and it simplifies the paperwork needed to record these documents in New York. Specifically, the law removes the requirement for a separate certificate of conformity when a notary or other designated officer from the location where the document was signed performs the act. Additionally, the bill updates procedures for oaths and affirmations taken outside the state to ensure they are treated as valid if accompanied by the proper certification.

Ensures that color vision requirements for appointment of police officers are tailored to only eliminate individuals with extreme color vision deficiencies from eligibility; provides methods under which an individual can meet such requirements after failing to meet an initial color vision standard.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Village of Greenwood Lake in Orange County to create and collect a local tax on hotel and motel stays. The tax can be charged at a rate of up to five percent of the nightly room cost but excludes permanent residents who stay for at least ninety consecutive days. The village may require hotels to collect the tax directly from guests and remit it to the village, with revenues deposited into the village's general fund for any lawful use. The law includes provisions for tax collection, filing returns, and legal review processes, and it will automatically expire three years after it takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the town of Chester to impose a five percent tax on overnight stays at hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts. The tax applies to guests who stay for less than ninety consecutive days, while permanent residents are exempt from the charge. Revenue collected from this tax will be deposited into the town's general fund and can be used for any lawful municipal purpose. The legislation also establishes rules for tax collection, payment deadlines, and legal procedures for disputes or refunds. Finally, the law is set to expire three years after it takes effect, at which point the tax authority will automatically end.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the town of Wawayanda in Orange County to impose a five percent tax on guests staying in hotels, motels, and similar lodging facilities like bed and breakfasts. The tax applies to the per diem rental rate for each room but excludes permanent residents who occupy a room for at least ninety consecutive days. Revenues collected from this tax will go into the town's general fund and can be used for any lawful purpose, while the tax itself is set to expire three years after it takes effect.